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Outfielder Danks hoping for final bench spot

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The sore right elbow of outfielder Jordan Danks has recovered enough to where he should be back defensively in the next couple of games. Danks started at designated hitter on Friday against the Indians and finished with a single and a stolen base.

But even when Danks returns to the lineup, he knows that a battle awaits to capture the White Sox last spot off of the bench. Figuring Dewayne Wise, Hector Gimenez and Angel Sanchez will be the certainties in reserve, Danks will be competing with Brent Morel and Conor Gillaspie for the Major League opportunity.

Three previous seasons and 1,121 at-bats at the Triple-A level would seem to indicate that Danks has had his fill of Charlotte. He also understands the roster permutations.

"I mean, the ultimate goal is to be up here, obviously. That's where I want to be," Danks said. "If there's no fit or they don't see me in that spot, you just have to deal with the hand that you've been dealt.

"If I'm in Charlotte, piece together a decent season and try to get that call back. That's all you can do."

Danks is still considered to be the best defensive outfielder at any level of the White Sox organization. He also is aware of top-rated outfield prospects such as Courtney Hawkins, Trayce Thompson, Keenyn Walker and Jared Mitchell, but the 26-year-old doesn't seem worried about his fit in the organization.

"You look over and it's like, 'We got another outfielder,'" said Danks with a laugh. "We are all competitive, but we like to joke around, and we all have good chemistry. None of us hate each other. It's a fun battle."